Gis-Based Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Making Model for Coastal Aquaculture Site Selection

Abstract

The first step for scientific and sustainable aquaculture development is appropriate site selection, and the success or failure of any aquaculture development largely depends on the right selection of the site. Due to favorable climatic conditions, suitable water quality, soil high natural productivity and space availability, the long southern coastline of Iran is regarded as highly suitable for aquaculture development. Site selection can be viewed as a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method has been widely used to solve MCDM problems. However, the conventional AHP method is inefficient in handling the inherent uncertainty and imprecision embedded in the pairwise comparison procedure. To overcome this problem, the AHP method can be combined with fuzzy set theory to provide flexibility in making judgments and decisions. In this paper, a structured GIS-based fuzzy MCDM model is applied through combining the concepts of fuzzy set theory, hierarchical structure analysis, and the AHP method, for the selection of the site to shrimp farm in the coastal area of Hormozgan, Iran. To create the model, important criteria for site selection are determined, and thematic maps are developed in GIS. Then, the criteria are weighted and scored. The layers are combined, and final suitability maps are prepared. After performing the combination models, the results of fuzzy model and weighted linear combination (WLC) model are presented. The paper shows that the applied method is an effective method to evaluate suitable sites for shrimp farming development.

Classification of Areas Suitable for Fish Farming Using Geotechnology and Multi-Criteria Analysis

“…It is also important to note that, as seen in the aforementioned studies, other variables may be added to the model in order to meet the proposed objectives. The disordered implementation of fish farming sites may change ecological and environmental conditions and may also impact aquatic biodiversity [46].…”

Aquaculture Site Selection of Oncorhynchus Mykiss (Rainbow Trout) in Markazi Province Using GIS-Based MCDM

“…Second, as mentioned, the research combines GIS and MCDM approaches for a better output, despite the limitations of the data. As such, several studies report the advantages of MCDM methods interfaced with the GIS environment for land evaluation and site selection purposes [54][55][56][57][58][59]. Given this, recognizing the factors affecting the location and determining the extent of the constraints they create is one of the important issues in valuing aquaculture-prone areas [49].…”

Opportunities for strengthening aquaculture industry through multicriteria decision‐making

“…; Vafaie et al . ). In our study, we used analysis of hierarchical processes (AHP) coupled with geographic information system (GIS) was used.…”

“…In this sense, it is not surprising that this is one of the most addressed questions in the context of MCDM in aquaculture (Halide et al 2009;Guiqin et al 2010;Hemmantayar et al 2011;Mahalakshmi et al 2012;Mamat et al 2014;Hadipour et al 2015;Vafaie et al 2015). In our study, we used analysis of hierarchical processes (AHP) coupled with geographic information system (GIS) was used.…”